While many argue Sioux Falls is the best location for a new $600 million men's prison, one of the city's leaders doesn't agree with that train of thought.
Mayor Paul TenHaken said he believes there are better options out there.
“The Lincoln County land and the Worthing land still in my opinion, still makes a lot more sense. But you know we’re talking with the state and the task force, and we want to be good partners in the process," TenHaken said. "We know the prison is needed. Again, find me a state that’s putting a new penitentiary in the city limits of their largest community, and I’ll be surprised. Because that isn’t happening. So, I think that’s something we need to think long and hard about before we make another century long decision."
This comes on the heels of a new site in Sioux Falls being added to the mix last week.
The 148-acre site is located along Benson Road, just south of the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society.
This site, along with another in Sioux Falls added two weeks ago, are expected to be strong contenders for the Project Prison Reset Task Force’s meeting tomorrow.
In a letter to Lt. Governor Tony Venhuizen, seller TCB LLC said they “want to enter into negotiations on purchase price.”
The task force is deciding between sites in Mitchell, Worthing, Sioux Falls and Springfield for a new men’s prison. A recommendation for one of the proposed sites in some capacity is expected at the meeting.
